CITY OF RENTON WASHINGTON

The 2020 Census is important to residents of Renton for several reasons. But it also raises several questions and concerns: Menka Soni, president of Ravishing Women, and her pageant participants explain why the census is important; its’ benefits; what’s new for 2020; how to get help; and how you can help spread the word.

Vasudha Sharma of Voice of Planet explains the importance of the 2020 Census and how you can participate. Learn more about the upcoming census and what it means to you at 2020census.gov

English

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Census 101

• A count of every person living in the U.S. as of April 1, 2020.
• The U.S. Constitution requires a census every 10 years.
• The first census was in 1790. How do people participate in the Census
• In mid‐March 2020, The Census Bureau will mail out one invitation for each household to participate in the 2020 Census.
• The census is administered based on residential addresses and allows for one submission per household.
• Every individual in the household must be counted, including those under the age of 5 years old.
• The invitation from the Census Bureau will provide three ways to participate in the 2020 Census. The responding household can choose from one of the following three options:
  • Respond online through a secure website.
  • Respond over the telephone.
  • Request a hard copy be mailed to the resident.
• Census 101 in other Languages
  • Spanish
  • Vietnamese
  • Tagalog
  • English

What if I need language assistance or other help completing my form?

• The online form will be available in 13 written languages upon request (English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, and Tagalog).
• The paper form will be available in English and bilingual English‐Spanish.
• Census Questionnaire Assistance will be available in English and the same 12 non‐English languages referenced above.
• Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) assistance will be available.
• The Census Bureau will provide language guides in 59 non‐English languages.
• People can call Census Questionnaire Assistance toll‐free for answers to questions or to provide their household responses by phone. 

Will a census enumerator come to my home?

• Reminders will be mailed to households who haven’t responded in early April.
• A paper questionnaire will be sent in early April to those who haven’t responded.
• Enumerators will follow up in person in the beginning of May to those who haven’t responded.

What information is collected?

• Captures basic information such as name, age, sex, Hispanic origin, race and ethnicity, relationship of household members, and homeownership status.

What information will NOT be collected by the Census?

• Any private information including social security number, bank account information, etc.

Why is the Census important?

• Census data determine how more than $675 billion in federal spending is allocated.
• Census data are used by state officials to redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative district (also known as redistricting).
• Census data are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets.
• When the population is undercounted, jurisdictions don’t receive the funding needed for vital community services.
• Census data inform planning decisions at the local, state, and federal level.
• Census data help local governments plan for future community needs and services, such as emergency services, schools, hospitals, human services, libraries, transportation, etc.

How is census information kept confidential?

• Federal law protects you census responses.
• Your answers can only be used to produce statistics.
• Census data are confidential for 72 years.
• Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the Census Bureau cannot share your information with immigration enforcement agencies, law enforcement agencies, or allow it to be used to determine your eligibility for government benefits.
  • English
  • Spanish
• Census Bureau employees are sworn for life to keep your information safe and secure. If they disclose any personal information, the punishment for them is 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000.

The U.S. Census Bureau is now hiring Census Takers to work in their own communities. You can make a difference, help your community and earn extra income for doing it.

• You can help Renton get counted while earning an extra income. 2020 Census jobs are temporary with flexible hours and weekly pay 

• The pay is competitive: King County pay is $23-$25.50/hr

• Make sure Renton receives its fair share of federal funding by helping us take the 2020 Census. Be a Census Taker.

• Apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs

2020 Census Jobs - Learn more

2020

January 21: The U.S. Census Bureau starts counting the population in remote Alaska. The count officially begins in the rural Alaskan village of Toksook Bay.

March 12-20: Households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.

March 30-April 1: The Census Bureau will count people who are experiencing homelessness over these three days. As part of this process, the Census Bureau counts people in shelters, at soup kitchens and mobile food vans, on the streets, and at non-sheltered, outdoor locations such as tent encampments.

April 1: Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. When you respond to the census, you'll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.

April: Census takers will begin visiting college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people. Census takers also begin conducting quality check interviews to help ensure an accurate count.

May-July: Census takers will begin visiting homes that haven't responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted.

December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.